Billionaire businessman and Aare of Lagos, Razaq Okoya has revealed that the foundation of his remarkable business success came from the early lessons he learned from his late father.
In a trending interview, the founder of Eleganza Industrial City Limited shared that his father, a tailor who also sold tailoring materials, introduced him to commerce at a very young age, shaping his future in business and industry.
Okoya explained that although he attended school, his father prioritised practical training over formal education, ensuring he spent more time in the family shop learning tailoring and trading ss.
He noted that selling buttons, fabrics, and tailoring accessories exposed him early to commerce, sparking his interest in fashion and entrepreneurship.
According to him, those early experiences became the foundation of his career path, helping him identify his passion and direction in life.
He said he is grateful to his late father for the discipline and training, while also acknowledging the strong support he received from his mother during his formative years.
Okoya said the combination of family guidance and early exposure to business helped him build a successful career without regrets about his chosen path.
He further reflected on how his journey from a small tailoring shop to becoming a major industrialist shaped his mindset and long term vision.
However, he expressed concern about modern parenting styles, noting that many young people today prefer to follow their own ideas rather than listen to parental guidance.
He stated that while some individuals succeed independently, he believes structured family mentorship remains important for building sustainable businesses in today’s economy.
Okoya also admitted that he faces a similar challenge within his own family, revealing that many of his older children have chosen not to join the family business, instead pursuing their own careers.
Despite this, he said he respects their decisions and wishes them success in their chosen paths.
The industrialist reaffirmed his deep passion for manufacturing and industry, stressing that he wants his legacy to be defined by industrial development rather than personal wealth alone.
He added that he remains committed to sustaining and expanding his business empire for future generations.
Okoya’s reflections highlight the importance of mentorship, family influence, and resilience in building long lasting entrepreneurial success in Nigeria’s business environment.
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